Sioux Falls Men's Slowpitch Softball

Sioux Falls Men's Slowpitch Softball League Rules
Premier Bank/SF Specialty Hospital Overtimer Rules

Player Roster, Waiver and Release Forms:

  • Roster forms and the waiver forms must be completed prior to a team’s first game.
    • As of 2018, all waivers and roster completion will be handled by the league’s website.
    • Any exceptions to this rule must be cleared by the board.
    • Failure to complete these forms by 6/1 will result in a team forfeiting all scheduled games until one is completed.
  • Any manager can be suspended under league suspension rules for violating roster rules.
    • This includes playing players who have not signed a waiver.
    • This replaces a rule that stated that any manager playing invalid players results in forfeits.
  • After July 15th, players added to rosters will not be eligible for playoff rosters.
    • Hardship cases will be handled on an individual basis; however, a $25 administrative fee will be charged.
  • Players are allowed to play multiple nights. Non-Starred players can be rostered on secondary teams on any other night. Starred players can be rostered on secondary teams on any other night with the following limitations:
    • Wednesday teams can have a total of 2 players in lineup that are designated a Star player or ranked C or higher in the USA Softball National Ranking Database
    • Tuesday teams can have a total of 2 players in lineup that are designated a Star player or ranked C or higher in the USA Softball National Ranking Database
    • Monday teams can have 1 player in lineup that is designated a Star player or ranked C or higher in the USA Softball National Ranking Database
    • For Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights all Star players must have a star or identifiable marking next to them on the lineup card
    • Failing to mark players as a Star player or having too many Star players in a lineup will result in forfeiting that game
    • All rosters for adding/dropping players will lock on July 15th.
  • Players will be allowed to switch teams under the following conditions:
    • Prior to July 15th, a player must have the League Board of Director’s approval.
    • No player will be allowed to switch teams less than 3 weeks prior to end of league play.
    • Players who fail to follow these rules will be considered ineligible to play for any team until all conditions have been met.
    • Any player in violation of these rules regarding switching could be subjected to a 1-year suspension and the team will forfeit all games in which the player was involved.
  • Players under 18 years of age may play in this league provided a parent or guardian has signed the waiver release form.
    • No exceptions will be made.
  • Females cannot be on Summer League rosters or play for Summer League teams.
    • Females are, however, allowed to play in our Fall League.
    • Females are also allowed to play in our over 50 senior league.

Rules

  • All games will start at the times printed on the schedule.  If a team is not ready at the scheduled time, the result will be a forfeit.
    • However, starting games earlier than scheduled is acceptable provided the field is available, the umpires are present and the teams have agreed to play.
    • Teams can start with 8 dressed players no later than 5 minutes after the scheduled game time. 10 rostered players make up a full team.
      • Tardy players can insert into the line up with umpire’s permission.
      • Empty spots in the line up must be placed at the bottom of the line up.
      • If 9 players are dressed and playing, the 10th spot on the card will be an out if no rostered player is present for that at bat.
  • The scorecard must contain full names and numbers of all players available to play in the game and must be signed by the managers and umpires.
    • The manager or acting manager is the only team member able to discuss a play call or rule interpretation with an umpire.
    • It is the team manager’s responsibility to obtain and return the scorecard to the umpire prior to game time.
  • Teams that wish to protest or challenge the validity of a player on a roster prior to the start of any game, must do so with a league board member.  The challenged team’s online roster will be referenced for the player.  If the player is not found on the current roster:
    • That player will be removed from the game.
    • The manager could face suspension.
    • If the team does not have enough players to play, the game will result in forfeit.
  • Teams that wish to protest or challenge the validity of a player on a roster after the completion of any game must do so with a league board member within 24 hours of the completion of the game.
    • Players and managers in cases where challenged cards are found to be invalid will face suspension.
    • Official challenges will cost the challenging team $50.
    • If a board member is available, we can check on the spot but may need 24 hours after the challenge.
    • MAKE SURE YOUR ONLINE ROSTER IS UP TO DATE.
  • All teams must keep an official score book, the home team will be the official scorer. Umpires will update the scoreboard between half-innings.
  • Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights will have a timed gamed of 50 minutes per game plus one inning or 7 innings; whichever happens first.
    • If the 50 minute timed game has been reached, the umpire will signal that the current inning will be completed and then one more played.
    • Tied games will still go to extra innings until there is a winner as normal.
  • The run rules for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday summer league will be as follows:
    • 15-runs after 3 innings
    • 10-runs after 5 innings
  • The run rules for Thursday summer league will be as follows:
    • 20-runs after 3 innings
    • 15-runs after 4 innings
    • 10-runs after 5 innings
  • The home run rule for Summer League play is as follows (this is for both upper and lower):
    • Monday – 2
    • Tuesday – 3
    • Wednesday – 4
    • Thursday – 6
    • All home runs after the allotted amount will be ruled as an out.
  • Any rostered player may be substituted as a courtesy runner once per inning per team. If the pinch runner were to come up in the line up while on base, an out will be assigned.
  • Pitcher Pinch Runner Rule
    • Sioux Falls Men’s Slow Pitch league wants to promote pitcher safety without slowing down the game.  This allows the pitcher to require ample time to put on safety gear while allowing a courtesy runner for the pitcher during the game.
      • A pitcher has the option to allow for a courtesy runner to help promote safety and maintain proper game management time
      • If a courtesy runner is due up to bat and is courtesy running for the pitcher, an out will be recorded. Same rule applies as a courtesy runner rule in the South Dakota Slowpitch Softball courtesy runner rule.
      • A pitcher will be allowed to be a courtesy runner only if the pitcher does wear protective gear. Protective gear is classified as one of the following: a helmet, facemask, shin guards, or chest protector.
        • Umpires may deny the allowed courtesy runner if the pitcher is abusing the courtesy runner rule by not honoring the speed of the game and proceeding to put on safety gear.
          • A warning will be given for the 1st offense.
          • A second violation will result in loss of courtesy runner rule and subject to being asked to leave the game for the remainder of the game.
        • If the pitcher does not wear safety gear, the courtesy runner rule will not be allowed or in effect.
  • Ejections
    • If a player is ejected during the game, you are required to vacate to the parking lot until the completion of the current game. Failure to leave the complex may result in further suspension time.
    • The field official will converse with the manager of the offending player after the game on whether the player can return for any subsequent games on the date of the ejection.
    • Your eligibility for any subsequent games that night depends on the way a player was ejected, that player’s behavior after, as well as the willingness of the field official(s) to let you play another game on the same date. You may approach a board member for a discussion if available.
    • Regardless of whether you are allowed to play further on the same night you were suspended; the event will be documented and reviewed. You may face further suspension time in the following weeks.
  • Music
    • No vulgar music will be allowed. The ump may give one warning.  If the warning is ignored, the offending team will be instructed to turn off the music for the remainder of the game.
    • If music is playing loudly enough to interfere with the normal operations of a game according to the field officials or either team’s manager, the offending team manager will be given one warning to lower the volume. If the warning is ignored, the offending team will be instructed to turn off the music for the remainder of the game.

Uniforms & Equipment

  • All shirts must have numbers; no two shirts may have the same number.
    • Once a player’s name and shirt number have been placed on the scorecard no other player may wear that number during the game.
    • Doing so will cause the ejection of the player and his manager.
  • For playoffs, all teams must have matching shirts to play
  • It is recommended that no jewelry be worn while playing.
  • All equipment must be USA or league approved.
  • No steel spikes nor steel tipped spikes may be worn for league play.
  • It is recommended that each team carry a complete first aid kit.
  • Blood rules are in effect.
    • Players who are bleeding will be required to leave the game until the wound is covered.
  • The official bat in USA Championship Play must meet all the requirements of USA Rule 3, Section 1 and:
    • Must bear either the USA approved 2020 certification mark or the USA 2020 certification mark, and must not be listed on an USA non-approved list, and must be included on a list of approved bat models published by the USA National Office; or must, in the sole opinion and discretion of the umpire, have been manufactured prior to 2000 and if tested, would comply with the USA bat performance standards then in effect.
    • All titanium bats are illegal in the Sioux Falls Men’s Slow pitch league, both summer and fall.
    • All bats will be provided a sticker that must always be present on the bats in league play. Any bat without a sticker, regardless of compliance or not, will not be allowed in the game.  Stickers will be made available.
    • Teams caught using illegal bats will be subject to severe penalties including but not limited to ejection from league, forfeit of games, fines, time suspension and/or any combination of the previous.
    • Random USA compression bat tests will be conducted by the UIC’s throughout the season.
    • Anyone wishing to file a protest towards a bat must present a $50 fee to the board. If that bat passes our compression tester, the $50 fee is forfeited. If the bat doesn’t pass the tester, the sticker will be removed from the bat, and the $50 fee will be returned to the protester.
  • Balls
    • The official ball for the league is the Dudley, .52 core, 300-pound compression optical yellow, synthetic leather ball. The Tattoo 52 .300 Synthetic cover balls we have used in previous seasons are also acceptable. NO SUBSTITUTES.
    • Each team Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday will be provided 12 of the league balls at the beginning of the season. Thursday night teams will be provided 18 balls.  Fall league teams will be given 6 balls.
    • Teams will provide all balls for the game. Umpires will determine the playability of each ball.
    • Teams will provide a game ball to the opposing pitcher prior to the start of the inning they are scheduled to bat. Teams will also be responsible for supplying a ball should the game ball be hit out of play as the result of a home run or foul.
    • Once a ball is provided and put into play, no new ball can be substituted unless the ball is knocked out of play, hit over the fence, or deemed unplayable by an umpire.
    • Teams who do not supply a ball during a game will result in a forfeit for that game.

Beginning January 1, 2004, all bats in USA Championship Play must pass the USA 2004 bat standard. All bats having the 2004 certification mark will be allowed in USA Championship Play. Bats that have the 2000 certification mark will not be allowed in USA Championship Play unless they are listed on an approved bat list on the USA website. For convenience, the ASA website has a listing of bats that do not pass the USA 2004 bat standard.

2004 and Beyond Approved Bats (Updated:4/2/2009)

For a list of bats that have been tested and found to comply with the USA bat performance standards and therefore are authorized to bear the USA 2004 certification mark and/or are authorized for use in USA Championship Play beginning January 1, 2004, please click on the link below. Manufacturers continue to submit additional bat models for testing, and the USA will update this list as test results become available.

http://www.asasoftball.com/about/getManufacturerDetail.asp

USA NON-Approved Bats.

For information on which bats are illegal please see this link

http://www.asasoftball.com/about/certified_equipment.asp.

The list of bats not approved are located at the following links:

http://www.asasoftball.com/about/build_batlist_one_page.asp

http://www.asasoftball.com/about/build_batlist_w_pics_2000.asp

http://www.asasoftball.com/about/build_batlist_w_pics_2004.asp

Bats no longer grandfathered into USA softball:

http://downloads.asasoftball.com/about/pdf/08grandfatherbats.pdf

The USA Softball Association (USA) no longer displays every bat made by bat manufacturers that do not comply with current USA bat standards. If you want to know what bats are approved for use in USA Championship Play, follow one of the steps below.

Check the approved list located in the drop down boxes above and search by the specific manufacturer or select all check for either the 2000 or 2004 USA Certification Mark (both depicted above) and then be sure the bat is not listed on the PDF’s above as a banned bat by USA (Note: The lists above are broken up into two PDF’s to help umpires in the NCAA and the NFHS because of their minor rule differences.

Please be sure to read the specific USA rules surrounding bats (a portion of which is located above) for a comprehensive review. Please remember that all bats that do not bear an USA certification mark remain non approved unless they were made prior to 2000 and in the sole discretion of the umpire would pass USA certification test if tested. Local USA leagues and tournaments not conducted as part of USA Championship Play may alter USA playing rules as they see fit.

The USA periodically and randomly tests samples of bat models bearing the USA approved certification mark to verify compliance with the USA bat performance standards. Below are links for press releases announcing results of compliance testing as well as FAQ’s regarding bat models withdrawn from USA Championship play until further notice. The “USA Banned Bats” link above contains the most up-to-date listing of bat models withdrawn from USA Championship play. Models placed on that list will be allowed for use in ASA Championship play if they bear the USA re-certification mark (shown in the link below).

Rainouts

  • Rainouts will be called as soon as possible after 4:30 pm. The information will be posted on Facebook and sent to the manager group chat for that night. The city will make every effort to play, including working the fields just prior to game time.  All teams should plan on playing and be at the fields to prevent any possible forfeits.  The best bet is to count on playing.
  • Once a game has started, the umpire in chief, their designated alternate or the league director on duty will decide whether games will be continued.  Once a game has been called for the night, all other games are considered canceled.  A game will be considered official after four innings, or if the home team is ahead after three- and one-half innings.  If teams are in the middle of an inning when canceled, the score will revert to the last complete inning.  If the score is tied after the fourth inning or later, the game will be picked up where it left off.  If a game did not complete four innings, it will start over with a new coin flip,
  • Rainouts will be scheduled at the end of the season. If it is impossible to schedule during these times the league will make every effort to reschedule these games depending on field availability.
 

Playoffs & Championships

  • Designated teams will enter a single elimination playoff to determine the division champion.
  • In the event of a tie for any position the following tie breakers will be used.
  • For two teams only — head-to-head competition will determine the winner.
  • For two or more teams —
    • pooled head-to-head record between tied teams
    • best winning percentage vs. all playoff teams
    • Run differential for entire season
    • A coin toss.
  • The top 4 teams with the overall record in league play and the top finishing playoff teams will move to the next highest division in the following season. Run differentials will also be considered. If the league is at full capacity of teams, the bottom 2 (or possibly 3 depending upon moves from other divisions) will move to the next lowest division.  If space is available, teams may play ‘up’ on the highest night they wish to play on.
  • The League Board of Directors holds the right to make any additional moves deemed necessary to insure equal competitive nights. Teams will be notified of moves by January 15th.  THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS.  If your team declines to remove up, your team will be asked to truncate players down to 5 team members from the previous season’s team.  Teams may stay on the current night provided they do not have more than 5 players (regulars and subs) on the roster from the previous year.
  • Awards will be determined and presented in all divisions each year. These awards (if individual) will not exceed the total number of players on the roster (15 players).
  • Movement of a team from any league to another league will be at the discretion of the board.

League Fees

  • League fees Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are for one 12-week session for a total of 24 games. For Thursday league fees are for one 13-week session for a total of 26  The first half of the fees are due at the February meeting and the second half at the March meeting.  Total costs for teams regarding the fees will be announced at the February Meeting.
  • Failure to pay fees by the specified date will result in an extra fee.
  • Teams in default on any past due fees from any other season (summer or fall) or any other league will not be allowed to play until such fees are paid. For example, a team last fall has not paid all the league fees.  That team will not be allowed to play in the summer until the fall league fee is paid in full.

Protests

All protests must follow USA rules.  They must be presented to a league director within 48 hours of the protested game and must be accompanied by a $25 processing fee.  This fee will be returned if the protest is upheld or if the ruling is found to be in the favor of the team making the protest.

Complex Rules

  • No glass bottles, kegs or partials will be allowed in the complex.
  • Please remind your families and fans that the complex can be a dangerous place.  Fans should only be seated in the bleacher area.  They should always be aware of   batted and overthrown balls.  Safety cannot be guaranteed anywhere on the complex. Children should be supervised at all times and not be allowed to run unattended.

Premier Bank/SF Specialty Hospital Overtimers 50+ Softball League Rules

Other than these amendments below, all rules will follow the USA Rule Book

Pickup Players:

  • Teams may play with up to 11 players in the field and have unlimited players in the batting order
  • If a team only has 10 players, they may pickup one player from other teams in the league to get them to 11 players
  • If a team only has 9 players, they may pickup 2 players from other teams in the league to get them to 11 players
  • No team may pickup more than 2 players for any one game
  • Teams shall not use pickup players in place of rostered players who are available and able to play. If a rostered player who is able to play shows up mid-game, they must be inserted into the lineup to replace any pickup player
  • Substitute players must come from the Sioux Falls Over 50 League
  • Teams can play with as few as 8 players
  • If a team plays with 8, the 9th and 10th batting positions are outs
  • If a team plays with 9, the 10th batting position is an out
  • No outs are taken if a team plays with 10 or more players in the lineup

Pinch Runners:

  • A pinch runner can be run for any batter – either from home or after the batter has safely reached base
  • A player can only pinch run once per inning
  • Pinch runners  need to be a registered player from the Sioux Falls Over 50 League
  • Pinch runners do not need to be in the lineup but must be listed as a substitute in the scorebook

Substitute Players:

  • A player who arrives at the game after it has started can be added to the roster as a substitute player or as an additional player at the bottom of the lineup
  • The team can add that player only at the bottom of team’s respective batting order. The original batting order cannot change except for adding that batter to the bottom of the order
  • If a player comes in as a substitute, he will replace the player he is substituting for and will bat in that position. Any player who is substituted for can only re-enter the game in the same spot in the lineup

Batting:

  • Three homer runs (over the fence) per team maximum per game. Any subsequent home run over the fence becomes a single
  • The single inning run limit will still be 5 runs unless in the open inning. A ball hit over the fence counts towards the team’s three home run limit – even if the hitter cannot score due to the 5 run/inning limit
  • Batter mist be in the batter’s box for a pitch to count
  • Batter count will start with a one ball/one strike count
  • Batted ball that hits the pitching net is a dead ball and no strike or foul is called

Pitching:

  • Pitcher shall pitch the ball within 5 seconds of retrieval of ball
  • Pitcher’s foot must be touching the rubber during release of the pitch
  • Pitcher can pitch the ball when batter is in the batter’s box
  • Pitch must clear the top of the net. It cannot go around the side of the net
  • Pitched ball must touch the rubber mat in some fashion, including corners and sides to be recorded as a strike
  • Any pitched ball hitting the net is a dead ball and no strike or foul is called

Scoring:

  • Runner must “break the plane” of the chalk line located  to the side of home plate to score a run. Foot does not need to hit the ground before the ball is caught
  • Any runner who touches home plate instead of the chalk line will be called out

Chalk Lines:

  • Pinch runner for batter at home must start behind chalk line located behind the umpire
  • Any batter who has a pinch runner and runs past the chalk line midway down the first base line will be out
  • Any runner who has passed the commitment line from 3rd base to home cannot return to 3rd base. This is a force out at home plate and no tag is necessary
  • Any runner who retreats towards 3rd base after crossing the commitment line is out when they touch 3rd base

Time Limit

  • Scoreboards and/or umpire watch are the official time limits for games
  • When the 55-minute time limit is reached, the next inning to start will be the open and final inning. Unlimited runs can be scored in the open inning
  • For clarification on when an inning starts – if there is any time left on the clock when the third out is recorded, the next inning starts

Run Limits/Rules:

  • Maximum of 5 runs per inning 1-5 unless game is in the last (open) inning
  • The last inning is an open innings, and unlimited runs can be scored
  • There is no “10-, 15-, 20-run rule” since we have maximum runs/inning and a game time limit. However, a flip/flop is mandatory if the home team is trailing by 10 or more runs going into the open inning to keep games on schedule. When trailing by 10 or more runs, the home team will bat first in the open inning. Flip/flop only takes place in the open inning

Extra Innings:

  • No extra innings for regular season games. Games will end in ties when either the open innings has been completed or the time limit has expired
  • Extra innings will utilized during the end of the year tournament

Continued for 2026:

  • League has eliminated the intentional walk rule. A batter who is walked must take first base
  • Every player must be on the team’s roster and participate a minimum of 3 weeks before playing in the year-end tournament. If an injury to a player causes them not to make this requirement, the manager shall consult with the Board for a waiver of the rule
  • Lineup cards will be exchanged before the start of the game. Game will not start until cards are exchanged

New for 2026:

  • A flip/flop is mandatory if the home team is trailing by 10 or more runs going into the open inning to keep games on schedule. When trailing by 10 or more runs, the home team will bat first in the open inning. Flip/flop only takes place in the open inning